Stuffed mussels, midye dolma or mydia yemista, which came first?

Stuffed mussels, known as midye dolma in Turkish and mydia yemista in Greek, are a popular appetizer in both countries, as well as in other parts of the Mediterranean. While the exact origin of stuffed mussels is unclear, both Turkish and Greek cuisines have a long history of stuffed dishes.

The Turkish midye dolma is said to date back to the Ottoman Empire, which ruled over a vast territory that included modern-day Turkey, Greece, and much of the Balkans. The dish likely originated in Istanbul, where fresh mussels were readily available and the city's cosmopolitan culture allowed for the fusion of different culinary traditions.

On the other hand, mydia yemista is a traditional Greek dish that is believed to have originated in the Aegean islands, where mussels are abundant. The Greeks have been known to stuff various foods since ancient times, so it is possible that stuffed mussels have been a part of Greek cuisine for thousands of years.

While it is unclear which version of stuffed mussels came first, both midye dolma and mydia yemista are delicious and beloved by locals and visitors alike. If you have the chance to try either dish, don't miss out!